Kirkland CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and the Kirkland Office of Emergency Management are now accepting registration for the Fall, 2016 class. This 8-week course will start on Monday, September 19, 2016 and will be held the following 7 Mondays from 6 to 9 PM at the Kirkland Justice Center. The Final Simulation Drill (required) will take place on November 19, 2016, from 9 AM to 2 PM.

The CERT program educates residents in disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire suppression, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during the exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not available to help.

The cost for the 8-week course is $35 for those who live, work, or go to school in Kirkland; $50 for those outside of Kirkland. Participants will receive a manual, helmet, reflective vest, backpack, and other emergency supplies. The program is sponsored by Kirkland CERT, the Kirkland Office of Emergency Management, and the Greater Kirkland Citizen Corps Council.